“Transformation: On the Road to Success” will be Monty Burks topic as featured speaker at The University of Tennessee Space Institute’s Black History celebration Friday, February 26, 2016, at 10 a.m. in the UTSI auditorium. Burks is the Director of Faith Based Initiatives for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Burks is the first person to hold the position since its creation in 2014. He brings more than 15 years’ experience working with the Criminal Justice system in various roles; including Director of Faith Based and Volunteer Services with the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC), adjunct Criminal Justice instructor at Motlow State Community College, Criminal Justice Off Campus program coordinator and adjunct instructor at Tennessee State University, Criminal Justice Research Analyst at Middle Tennessee State University, and State of Tennessee’s Lifeline project coordinator for Region 5 North which aims at reducing stigma associated with people who suffer from addiction.

Burks has also served as a program coordinator, job placement specialist, and cognitive skills instructor with Middle Tennessee Rural Reentry’s jail and prison program earning national recognition for helping ex-offenders break down employment barriers. He earned his Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University and is currently pursuing his doctorate in theology. He is also a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified MRT facilitator, Certified Anger Management facilitator, and Volunteer Literacy Tutor of America.

Burks belongs to several professional organizations including the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA), American Criminology Society (ASC), Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and The Wilson County Prevention Coalition (WCPC).

In his spare time, Monty enjoys training and competing in international Jiu Jitsu Tournaments, boxing, and teaching Muay Thai Kickboxing.

The UTSI Black History celebration will be held in UTSI’s auditorium, and is free and open to the public. A reception will follow in the Institute’s lobby. Please contact UTSI Human Resources at 931.393.7226 for additional information.